The application process:

If you are interested in exploring a career in development, applications may be sent directly to the Program Leader (Human Resource Development). You may also write to us if you would like to see our program and have a discussion with one of our executives before making a formal application. DHAN Foundation also offers placement talks in many of the reputed educational institutions during which interested students can submit their applications. You may consult your placement co-ordinator to know if your institution is among those where we have been giving placement talks. If quite a few of you are interested you may also ask your placement co-ordinator to write to us requesting a placement talk.

The Selection process:

When applications are received after placement talks at educational institutions, the first part of the process is completed at the institution itself. The applicants are asked to sit for a test of their verbal, mathematical and analytical ability. This is a standard test to assess the mental faculties of the applicants. Those clearing this test are called for a group discussion followed by a personal interview. This completes the first stage of the process.

In the next stage, the applicants selected at the campuses are called for a one week exposure to one or two locations of DHAN Foundation, where they are offered opportunity to visit the Kalanjiams and Vayalagams and interact with the executive, staff and people. At the end of the visit, he/she is called for a discussion with the senior staff of the organisation. He/she is expected to bring along a report of his visit. After this discussion, if both the individual and the organisation feel comfortable, an offer of apprenticeship is made.

In case of direct applications, after sufficient applications have been received, the applicants are called for a two-day camp. During these two days, the processes carried out in the campuses are done. The second stage is identical.

Apprenticeship/Probation:

All selected persons undergo a one year Development Apprenticeship. An appraisal is conducted at the end of the apprenticeship period and those whose performance is found satisfactory are appointed as Project Executives. Professionals from reputed management institutions are directly appointed as Project Executives on probation.

The Apprenticeship program is the core activity of the HRD program. It combines mentoring by senior DHANites who are designated as Field Guides with specific HRD events to groom the new professionals into DHANites. The Field Guides helps the apprentice to settle down and adjust to the new surroundings. He/she also enables the learning process of the apprentice by way of designing the tasks to be performed and events to be attended by the Apprentice. Independent of the mentoring process of the Field Guide the HRD program arranges for various events to enable the learning process. The three major events currently being conducted are the monthly meeting of the Apprentices, the Village Study workshop and the Community Handling Workshop. In addition exposures to other organisations involved in similar work are also arranged to broaden the perspective of the Apprentice.

The monthly Development Apprentice meet is facilitated by one of the senior DHANites and serves as an occasion for mutual learning by sharing and reflection. The Village Study Workshop is conducted after the Apprentices undergo a one week stay in a village observing and documenting the various systems, practices and resources in the village. The workshop helps the Apprentice to see his observations in the light of earlier academic studies and experiences of senior colleagues.

Mid-Career Applicants:

DHAN Foundation also takes Mid-Career people who have had relevant experience and places them at appropriate levels. Mid-Career people serve to bring in different experiences to the organisation and also are needed to cope with the growth of the organisation. They undergo individually designed orientation and grooming processes.